Iron County register. [volume] (Ironton, Iron County, Mo.) 1867-1965, 1887-05-26
WHO TOLD HIM?
A Mysterious Case Of Arrested
Animation.

Jack, I have mistaken my calling"
"What in creation is the matter
nowP' said L
Twas writing a letter in Doc. Car
rolton's office, when he suddenly burst
in with these words. I had seen Tom
in good many tough places in col
lege and out, but had never seen any
thing like this before. His face was
drawn and white, and his eyes. sur
rounded by dark rings. looked as if
they had suddenly settled back into
his head, so blackly careworn did they
appear. He threw himself on the
lounge, coat. hat and muddy boots
and. after staring at the ceiling awhile,
added. in husky voice:
Jack, Miss Lodencraft is dead"
"Well, you expected she'd die, did
you not?" asked, thinking it wise to
meet my friends unusual mood as
practically as possible.
mo. Father expected it, but 1
didn't" he answered, land l don t
think there is any excuse for it. "
Toms father was physician, who
at this time was quite ill, and Miss
Lodencraft had been handed over to
the younger practitioner with the rest
of the old gentleman's patients.
"When did it happen?" asked.
"Happen?'' said Tom, with a sneer.
"Happen? That's good word. l sup
pose it happened some time last night
and if they hadn't been set OF FOOLS
I'll be hanged if don't believe they
wanted it to happen"
I'D try not to be unjust" said L
s.Well, so I WILL" the poor little fell
low replied, rising now, and pacing VI
and down the office; "but, Jack,
never felt so queer in my life. 1 an
full to bursting of some thing that
can not give expression to-somt
thing all wrong-some thing that an
called upon to set right.
1t seemed plain enough to me, and
wondered why I had not suspected
Toms interest in Miss Lodencraft be
fore. 1t was the impotence of grief,
the agonizing foundering of the spirit
in the depths of might have beens.
knew that this case had been a puz
cling one both to father and son, and
that during the last week there ha'
been couple of consultations a
Toms request, and that the verdict o
the physicians had been unfavorable
81 thinky you told me there was
i. change for the better yesterday l re
marked, feeling sure that the quickes
relief for Tom would be in telling tn
whole story.
~ 1,ar aS,>nndod. N
last night at nine o'clock l left he
comfortable, with the promise of
GOOD night. This morning, as l drov
round the corner toward her house.
saw the white sign was on the bel
and what do you think 1 did. JackP"
II suppose you stopped and mad
the proper inquiries" replied.
..No. I didn't" he said. Il gay
my horse q smart lick, and drove HON
as # the devil was after me"
What did you do that for?"
asked.
"I dunno" said Tom.
3 Just here a fine-looking young me-
was shown into the outer office sa
him through the crack OF the doc
and Immediately connected him WI
the girl who had just died. de h:
evidently been weeping. and viii
waiting for the doctor walked nervou
" ND and down the room. Tom to-
off his hat snatched up medlcll
case. and went to meet him.
"Ah. Mr.. Lodencraft, good NOR
ing" said he, in the old, easy, profe
sional tone, which, ! confess, was
surprise to me at this time.
..Good morning, doctor" said t
visitor Il suppose that you ha'
heard that my sister"
..Quite by accident. said To-
catching him up quickly. Eyes. WI
hour did your sister die, Mr.. Lode
craft?"
The awful boldness of the inquir
and the professionally Indifferent to
in which it was made, convinced I
that, Notwithstanding my long .
intimate relations with Tom Carrolto
Ididn.t know him very well after
1T was Just seven minutes past TO
This morning" the young man